“In these textured, deftly-crafted stanzas, Amanda Auchter romances the grit, the rampant spice, the twang, the mystery, the brick, the swelter, and the insistent hallelujah conjured by the Crescent City. This sparkling, defiant love story pays tribute to NOLA on the upswing, while remembering how often it has teetered on the edge of descent.” — Patricia Smith, author of Blood Dazzler

“You need to read this book because it is wholly American in its focus and devotion. You need to read this book because Auchter has created something whole, complete, and compelling. You need to read this book so you look beneath the surface of New Orleans with rich and daring language taking you by the hand and leading the way. The Wishing Tomb will not—cannot disappoint.” —Justin Evans, Name This Place